Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before your tonsillectomy.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may:

Do a physical exam of the tonsils, throat, neck, and possibly other parts of the body

Order blood tests and a urine test

Review your medical history and current medications

Leading up to your procedure:

Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.

Talk to your doctor about your current medications. Certain medications may need to be stopped before the procedure.

The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
is most commonly used. You will be asleep for the procedure. If necessary, the surgery can also be done with sedation and local anesthesia.

Description of the Procedure

The doctor will grasp each tonsil with a special tool. The tonsils will then be cut away from the surrounding tissues and removed. The tonsils may be cut out with a scalpel or hot knife. An electrical current or clamps and ties will be used to stop bleeding at the site.

Tonsil Removal

How Long Will It Take?

About 20-60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is most often done in a hospital setting. It may be possible to leave the hospital on the day of the procedure. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for up to 2 days. You may need to stay longer if there are complications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You will be monitored for any negative reactions to anesthesia or other complications.

After you are fully awake, alert, and stable, you may be able to leave.

At Home

To help ensure a smooth recovery:

Take medications that are prescribed as directed.

Avoid talking, coughing, and singing for one week.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid spicy, acidic, and hard-to-digest foods.

Eat soft foods, such as gelatin and pudding, for 3-4 days after surgery. Gradually return to a normal diet.

Avoid swallowing hard items such as crackers and hard cookies. They may injure the back of your throat.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the site where the tonsils were removed

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given, especially if it prevents you from drinking fluids

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